Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  You Get what you Pay for. - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tami - December 31 - 10:10 am

  Even though the car looks like a 40,000 dollar sportscar, it is about as good as a used car with a new paint job! Ive put more parts on that car in the first 50,000 miles than I put on my first car (used). I replaced two turn signal controls, the fuel pump, the left and the right power window motors, the pasanger seat adjusting handle, the heater temperature control and the seat belt lock. On top of that, you hear every sound outside. Its like riding a bus. Did I forget to mention that the car will slide on spit. If it rains slightly, you should buckle up and say your prayers, that is if the buckle works.

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  Muscle is Back! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jazzman55 - December 29 - 5:56 pm

  I grew up during the mucsle car era and this car brings it back in a "family 4-door". It is comfortable to drive and the mileage is impressive. But the power of a Pontiac V-8 is the best feature of all. This car is just fun to drive.

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  Fun car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CarolD - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. Performance is very good for a 4 cylinder. Its a nice family car with sporty looks. Rebate make it a nice alternative to many smaller compact cars.

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  A Few Problems! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Sandra Opsal - December 28 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my Torrent for 3+ years and its been fairly reliable until recently. Had a problem with stabilitrac and traction control lights coming on, they had to replace a valve (dont have paperwork in front of me). Just returned from a 500 mile road trip and stabilitrac light just came on again. Also car sounds like a plane ready for take off - transmission? Will be bringing that to dealership tomorrow. No extended warranty. Hope the powertrain warranty covers it. Have 48,000 miles on it and this could be the first serious problem Ive had with it. Otherwise, have enjoyed driving it. Wish mileage were better but it is good on long trips and better in summer (21-22) than winter (19).

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  its been a long ride - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By almost done - December 25 - 11:33 am

  at 180K + miles it still has the original alternator, original timing chain, replaced the battery maybe 3 times, replaced the brakes 2ce. Ive taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 53"-510" person, very comfortable. Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

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  My 97 Pontiac - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Lloyd Sippel - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a good car with a few minor problems. I have had the following failures: Alternator, muffler,brakes, and loss of refrigerant in the air conditioning system.

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  love it, but material quality stinks!!!! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thomas_cory2000 - December 24 - 2:23 am

  The gas mileage sticker claimed 15/25. Well I get about that city but, highway I get usually 33mpg going 55mgh - gets 27 mpg going 65 mph (as long as I stay out of it). Brakes are amazing, handling is also amazing for a 4 door family car that weights 4,600lbs. My main complaint is the quality of the materials. I take very good care of my car and baby it! The leather on the seats is starting to wear more then my 5 year old Cadillac I had prior, the paint job stinks, its starting to chip and wear in places it shouldnt for a 2 year old car and the interior is all plastic?? Shouldnt this problem with a $30,000 car.

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  Loved Until Recently - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By randy394 - December 22 - 11:57 am

  Bought my ’08 Torrent GXP in 2011 and, up until recently, I have loved it. However, I’ve now had the power steering hose break three times and I’m growing tired of repeatedly fixing it. My battery also died at only 44,000 miles and the all-wheel drive regularly goes out when the temperature dips below zero, which is the type of weather when you mostly need AWD. I love the comfort, look, features, and how the Torrent drives, but I’m now looking at a new car as I’m sick of these mounting piddly issues. I never once had my ’04 Malibu 2LT in the shop beyond oil changes in the 7 years, 80K+ miles I owned it.

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  G5 - A Bargain - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By AMP - December 17 - 8:06 am

  I bought my G5 six months ago - so far, it has exceeded my expectations. My daily commute is 57 miles round-trip, 90% highway. Im averaging 32.5 MPG, despite the 4-speed auto transmission. The 4-cyl Ecotec has plenty of power and the cabin is quiet for an economy car. The tire-pressure monitor alerted me to an air leak in one of my tires caused by a nail BEFORE I drove on the Interstate - very nice. The climate control system is excellent - HOT heat and COLD AC. I like the firm, supportive seats - like a VWs and very comfortable over long trips. If you like soft, cushy, couch cushions, this isnt the car for you.

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  Pontiaction - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By The Icon - December 14 - 1:26 am

  I bought the car brand new with all the available options possible including the Bose sound system. I dont drive the car very far at all but when I do it is pure excitement and I get looks when I am next to another car. When I first had it, I did have seal leak problems and the steering, when very cold outside, seems stiff. Other than this I had good luck with the car. It just turned 7yrs old in February and it looks new, had several offers to buy it from me , including my mechanic.